401. Constraint-induced aphasia therapy following sub-acute stroke: a single-blind, randomised clinical trial of a modified therapy schedule.
- Author
-
Sickert A, Anders LC, Münte TF, and Sailer M
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Data Interpretation, Statistical, Feasibility Studies, Female, Functional Laterality physiology, Games, Experimental, Humans, Language Tests, Learning, Male, Middle Aged, Neuropsychological Tests, Single-Blind Method, Treatment Outcome, Aphasia etiology, Aphasia rehabilitation, Language Therapy methods, Stroke complications, Stroke Rehabilitation
- Abstract
Background and Purpose: The trend towards a shorter stay in rehabilitation clinic has implications for future language therapy. Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) is administered 3 h per day for a total of 30 h of treatment. It was evaluated for patients with chronic aphasia. In the present study we investigated the efficacy of a modified CIAT schedule and included patients with sub-acute stroke. We conducted a randomised, single-blind, parallel-group study. The results were compared to those of patients who received identically intensive treatment focusing on conventional aphasia therapy., Methods: Fifty patients were treated with our modified version of CIAT and 50 received a standard aphasia therapy at the same intensity and duration. Inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of first-ever stroke, aphasia in the sub-acute stage and German speakers. Language function was evaluated using the Aachen Aphasia Test and the Communicative Activity Log directly before therapy onset, after the training period and at 8-week and 1-year follow-ups., Results: Patients of both groups improved significantly in all sub-tests of the Aachen Aphasia Test Battery. The improvements remained stable over a 1-year follow-up period. Patients and relatives of both groups rated daily communication as significantly improved after therapy., Conclusions: Both CIAT and conventional therapy performed with equal intensity are efficacious methods for patients with sub-acute aphasia. The modified CIAT schedule is practical in an everyday therapeutic setting. Our results indicate that a short-term intensive therapy schedule in the early aphasia stage leads to substantial improvements in language functions.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF